Reconfigurable tub assembly
The present invention relates to a tub for bathing infants or children. The tub includes a receptacle for containing water and for receiving an infant. The tub also includes a selectively removable insert or positioning member that can be used to change the bathing area inside of the tub. When the positioning member is locked to the tub, the positioning member defines two separate infant seating positions within the tub. The positioning member is removable from the tub to allow the entire receptacle to be used.
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The present invention relates to an infant tub or tub assembly that is reconfigurable. In particular, the present invention relates to an infant tub and an insert that can be coupled to and removed from the infant tub as desired. The infant tub can be reconfigured between one configuration in which the tub has one large receptacle in which an infant can be placed and another configuration in which the tub has two receptacles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONParents and caregivers often use a tub to bathe infants and/or toddlers. Conventional tubs typically include an area defined by a wall that extends around a bottom or bottom portion. Uncoordinated and or young infants seated in a tub can easily slide along a tub bottom and slide out of the position in which they are placed in the tub.
The ends (such as a front end and a back end) of some tubs can be used as backrests for an infant or toddler disposed in the tub. The front end of the tub can be inclined from the bottom of the tub at a different angle with respect to the bottom than the back end of the tub. The different backrest angles of inclination allow a child to be positioned in two different sitting positions in the tub. In one position, the child's back rests on the inclined front end. In another position, the child's back rests on the inclined back end.
As an infant grows, the area needed for bathing the infant changes as well. A shorter infant needs less of the receptacle than a taller infant. Accordingly, as an infant grows, the portion of the receptacle of the tub that is used increases.
Therefore, there is a need for a tub that can be easily reconfigured to accommodate different sizes of infants. In addition, there is a need for a tub that can be easily reconfigured to support infants in different positions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to an infant tub or tub assembly that can be used to bathe an infant or child. In one embodiment, the infant tub can be reconfigured to accommodate different sized infants or children. In another embodiment, the infant tub can be reconfigured to support an infant or child therein in different positions, such as an inclined position and an upright position.
In order to more securely position an infant within the tub or change the configuration of the receptacle, the tub includes a body and a removable support member or insert that can be coupled to the body of the tub. In one embodiment, the tub body includes two ends or end portions, two sides or side portions, and a bottom or bottom portion. The ends of the tub body can be referred as a front end portion or member and a back end portion or member, depending on the orientation of the tub body. The ends include surfaces that can be used as backrests for an infant disposed in the tub and extend from the bottom portion at different angles relative to the bottom portion to provide backrests at different angles of inclination.
In one embodiment, the support member generally extends between the sides of the tub body and along the bottom of the tub body. An infant can sit against the support member and the support member supports the infant in a comfortable sitting position. In addition, the support member, along with the tub body generally, prevents the child from moving out of a sitting position. When the support member is coupled to the tub body, two receptacles are formed and the child can be securely placed in two different sitting positions. Each seating position is formed by an inclined backrest and the side of the support member closest to the backrest. The sides of the support member can have different shapes or configurations to create a comfortable engagement surface and form a seat with its corresponding backrest.
In one embodiment, the tub also includes a positioning member or insert that is removably coupleable to the tub. The insert can be disposed in an engagement position that is located proximate to a middle portion of the tub. In one embodiment, the insert is made of a molded material that retains its shape and allows the insert to be securely coupled to the tub body. In another embodiment, the insert is formed from a flexible material that can be deformed to facilitate the decoupling of the insert from the tub body.
In one embodiment, the insert includes opposite ends with a coupling portion proximate to each of the ends. The tub body can include a mounting portion on each of the side walls or portions and/or on the bottom portion of the tub body. The coupling portions of the insert lockably engage corresponding mounting portions of the tub body to couple the insert to the tub body.
In different embodiments, the insert can be coupled to the tub body in different manners. In one embodiment, the tub body can be formed of a material that has some flexibility that allows a first portion of the tub body to be moved relative to a second portion of the tub body. The insert can be coupled to the first portion of the tub body and to the second portion of the tub body. When the first portion and the second portion of the tub body are moved away from each other, the insert is decoupled from the tub body. The first portion can be a side wall or portion and the second portion can be the opposite side wall or portion.
In another embodiment, the shape or configuration of the positioning member or insert can change to allow the insert to be coupled to and decoupled from the tub body. In this embodiment, the insert can be changed from a rest configuration to a deformed configuration. To couple the insert to the tub body, the insert is deformed and then placed into a lockable position. When the insert is in its lockable position, the insert is released and flexes back to its unbiased shape. In the unbiased shape, the coupling portions on the insert fully and lockably engage mounting portions on the tub body.
Connecting the insert to the tub body can occur using different methods. In one method, the insert is deformed by a parent squeezing the insert before placing the insert in a lockable position inside the tub body. In another method, portions (e.g., coupling portions) of an un-deformed insert can become deformed as the insert is forced onto the tub's mounting portion. Either method results in the placement of each coupling portion of the insert being aligned with one of the mounting portions of the tub. Disengagement of the insert from the tub involves movement of a portion of either or both the tub body and the insert. In one embodiment, a parent can change the configuration of the tub body, thereby allowing the insert to disengage from the tub body. In another embodiment, a parent can change the configuration of the insert, thereby allowing the insert to disengage from the tub body.
Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThe terms “child,” “toddler,” and “infant” may be used interchangeably herein. In addition, the terms “receptacle,” “recess,” “cavity,” “receiving area,” and “receiving portion” may be used interchangeably to refer to the area defined by the tub body in which an infant can be placed. The terms “insert,” “insert member,” “positioning member,” and “support member” may be used interchangeably herein to refer to the member that is selectively coupleable to a tub body to reconfigure the receiving area of the tub and provide support for an infant disposed therein. In addition, the terms “mounting structure” and “mounting portion” may be used interchangeably herein. As described below, the tub body and insert can be referred to collectively as a tub assembly.
While the discussion of the present invention is primarily with respect to a tub that can be used by an infant or child, the concept of a removable insert for a tub in accordance with the present invention is applicable to tubs or bathing structures that can be used by toddlers, older children, and/or adults.
In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a tub for bathing a child. The tub includes a tub body with a recess within which the child can be placed. The tub body can be reconfigured between a first configuration for smaller infants and a second configuration for larger infants. The different configurations can also be used to support or prop-up an infant in the tub in different positions. Reconfiguring the tub between configurations allows the tub to be used as the size of the infant changes and the infant is disposed in different positions.
Referring to
In one embodiment, the tub 10 is configured to resemble the shape of a whale. However, in different embodiments, the tub 10 can have any shape or configuration. As shown in
As shown in
Referring to
Referring to
Proximate to ends 402 and 404 are coupling portions or coupling mechanisms 405 and 425, respectively. Coupling portion 405 includes a projection 410 that is coupled to a projection support 420. Similarly, coupling portion 425 includes a projection 430 that is coupled to a projection support 440. In one embodiment, projection 410 is integrally formed with projection support 420 and projection 430 is integrally formed with projection support 440. Referring to
Projection supports 420 and 440 are connected to the inner or lower side 408 of body 400. The projection supports 420 and 440 are configured so that projections 410 and 430 are supported from and extend away toward the opposite ends of insert 195. As shown in
Referring to
In this embodiment, the tub body 100 is formed of a resilient and deformable material, such as molded plastic, that has an initial rest shape or configuration 111. Configuration 111 can be referred to as a mountable configuration. The side portions 130 and 140 of body 100 are sufficiently flexible such that they can be moved outwardly, thereby changing the shape or configuration of the tub body 100. As shown in
The side portions 130 and 140 in their rest or initial positions 502 and 500, respectively, correspond to the rest or locking configuration 111 of the tub body 100. The side portions 130 and 140 in their extended or expanded positions 506 and 504, respectively, correspond to the extended or unlocking configuration 112 of the tub body 100. Configuration 112 can be referred to as a releasable configuration as well. Referring to
Referring to
When the side portion 130 is in its rest position 502, the wall 218 at the upper end of recess 220 limits movement of the projection 430 and as a result, the insert 195. When a user, such as a parent or caregiver, wants to remove the insert 195 from the tub 10, the user applies a force to the side portion 130 outwardly along the direction of arrow “B,” thereby moving the side portion 130 from its rest position 502 to its extended or unlocking position 506 (shown in dashed lines in
Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
As shown in
Referring to
In the various embodiments disclosed herein, the inserts 195 and 195′ can be coupled to a tub 10 via different methods. In one method, the insert 195′ is forced onto the mounting portion 210 as shown in
As shown in
Referring to
The insert 705 is placed into its locked position on tub body 705 by placing edges 737 and 735 on mounting surfaces 711 and 713, respectively. The insert 705 is then squeezed until tabs 740 and 744 are positioned between and aligned with slots 715 and 720 and tabs 742 and 746 are positioned between and aligned with slots 725 and 730, respectively. The insert 705 is then released so that it flexes outwardly and forces tabs 740, 744, 742, and 746 into aligned slots 715, 720, 725, and 730 respectively. The edges 737 and 735 contact mounting surfaces 711 and 713, respectively, and edges 736 and 738 contact the tub bottom 790.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
In alternative embodiments, the engagement between the insert and the tub body may be between the insert and only the bottom of the tub. In addition, the engagement structures (e.g., projections, tabs, slots or recesses) may be reversed so that slots are formed on the insert and tabs or projections are positioned on the tub body. Moreover, the quantity of projections and/or coupling portions provided on the support member can vary in different embodiments.
Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, it is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer,” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration.
Claims
1. A bath tub assembly comprising:
- a tub, the tub including a body defining a receptacle, the body including a bottom surface, a first end portion, a second end portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion, the body including at least one mounting portion; and
- an insert member, the insert member releasably coupled to the body, the insert member including at least one coupling portion engaging the at least one mounting portion, the insert member coupled to the body of the tub when the at least one coupling portion engages the at least one mounting portion, and the insert member having a substantially inverted U-shape configuration including an upper curved side and a lower curved side that opposes the upper curved side, wherein the upper and lower curved sides extend to a lower end of the insert member that includes distal edges separated from each other by a distance;
- wherein coupling of the insert member to the body results in a partition of the receptacle by the insert member extending between the first and second side portions with the entire insert member being distant from the first and second end portions.
2. The bath tub assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one mounting portion comprises a mounting surface disposed along at least one of the first and second side portions that is curved in an inverted U-shaped configuration that generally conforms with a curvature of the lower curved side of the insert member so as to engage with portions of the lower curved side of the insert member when the at least one coupling portion engages the at least one mounting portion.
3. The bath tub assembly of claim 2, wherein the coupling portion of the insert member comprises a projection support disposed adjacent a portion of the lower curved side, and the at least one mounting portion further comprises an inclined surface aligned transverse to the mounting surface, the inclined surface including a recess that is positioned to receive a projection of the projection support when the at least one coupling portion engages the at least one mounting portion.
4. The bath tub assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one mounting portion including the mounting surface is disposed adjacent the bottom surface of the tub body.
5. The bath tub assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one mounting portion further comprises at least one slot disposed proximate the bottom surface of the tub body, and the at least one coupling portion comprises at least one tab extending from the upper curved side proximate a portion of at least one of the distal edges of the insert member, the at least one tab being configured to align and engage with the at least one slot when the at least one coupling portion engages the at least one mounting portion.
6. The bath tub assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one mounting portion includes a recess formed in the first side portion, and the at least one coupling portion includes a projection that is configured to engage the recess of the first side portion.
7. The bath tub assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one mounting portion is located on the first side portion proximate to the bottom surface.
8. The bath tub assembly of claim 1, wherein the tub body is formed of a deformable material so that application of outward forces to the first side portion and to the second side portion moves the first side portion and the second side portion away from each other, thereby decoupling the insert member from the body of the tub.
9. The bath tub assembly of claim 1, wherein the first side portion of the tub includes a first mounting portion, the second side portion of the tub includes a second mounting portion, and the insert member includes a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion, the first coupling portion being configured to engage the first mounting portion and the second coupling portion being configured to engage the second mounting portion.
10. The bath tub assembly of claim 9, wherein the insert member has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the upper and lower curved sides extend between the first and second ends, and the upper curved side comprises an engaging portion that is configured to be engaged by an infant in the receptacle, the first coupling portion is disposed proximate to the first end of the insert member, and the second coupling portion is disposed proximate to the second end of the insert member.
11. A bath tub assembly comprising:
- a tub, the tub including a body defining a receptacle, the body including a bottom surface, a first end portion, a second end portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion, the body including at least one mounting portion; and
- an insert member, the insert member releasably coupled to the body, the insert member including at least one coupling portion engaging the at least one mounting portion, the insert member coupled to the body of the tub when the at least one coupling portion engages the at least one mounting portion, and the insert member having a substantially inverted U-shape configuration including an upper curved side and a lower curved side that opposes the upper curved side, wherein the upper and lower curved sides extend to a lower end of the insert member that includes distal edges separated from each other by a distance;
- wherein coupling of the insert member to the body results in a partition of the receptacle by the insert member extending between the first and second side portions and being distant from the first and second end portions such that the receptacle includes two open and uncovered compartments defined within the body on either side of the insert member.
12. The bath tub assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one mounting portion includes a recess formed in the first side portion, and the at least one coupling portion includes a projection that is configured to engage the recess of the first side portion.
13. The bath tub assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one mounting portion is located on the first side portion proximate to the bottom surface.
14. The bath tub assembly of claim 11, wherein the tub body is formed of a deformable material so that application of outward forces to the first side portion and to the second side portion moves the first side portion and the second side portion away from each other, thereby decoupling the insert member from the body of the tub.
15. An infant tub, comprising:
- a body, the body defining a receptacle in which an infant can be disposed in a first position and in a second position, the body including a first end portion and a second end portion, and the body further including a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion, the second side wall portion being movable relative to the first side wall portion; and
- a positioning member, the positioning member being releasably coupleable to the body, the body being deformable and movable between a first configuration in which the positioning member can be coupled to the first side wall portion of the body and the second side wall portion of the body and a second configuration in which the positioning member can be decoupled from the first side wall portion of the body and the second side wall portion of the body, the positioning member having a substantially inverted U-shape configuration including an upper curved side and a lower curved side that opposes the upper curved side, wherein the upper and lower curved sides extend to a lower end of the positioning member that includes distal edges separated from each other by a distance;
- wherein coupling of the positioning member to the body results in a partition of the receptacle by the positioning member extending between the first and second side wall portions with the entire positioning member being distant from the first and second end portions.
16. The infant tub of claim 15, wherein the second side wall portion is disposed opposite to the first side wall portion, a first mounting portion is formed on the first side wall portion, and a second mounting portion is formed on the second side wall portion, the positioning member being configured to engage the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion to couple the positioning member to the body.
17. The infant tub of claim 16, wherein the positioning member includes a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion, the first coupling portion is configured to engage the first mounting portion, and the second coupling portion is configured to engage the second mounting portion.
18. The infant tub of claim 17, wherein the first mounting portion of the body includes one of a recess and a projection and the first coupling portion of the positioning member includes the other of the recess and the projection.
19. The infant tub of claim 17, wherein the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are closer to each other when the body is in its first configuration than when the body is in its second configuration.
20. An infant tub, comprising:
- a body, the body defining a receptacle in which an infant can be disposed in a first position and in a second position, the body including a first end portion and a second end portion, and the body further including a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion, the second side wall portion being movable relative to the first side wall portion; and
- a positioning member, the positioning member being releasably coupleable to the body, the body being deformable and movable between a first configuration in which the positioning member can be coupled to the first side wall portion of the body and the second side wall portion of the body and a second configuration in which the positioning member can be decoupled from the first side wall portion of the body and the second side wall portion of the body, the positioning member having a substantially inverted U-shape configuration including an upper curved side and a lower curved side that opposes the upper curved side, wherein the upper and lower curved sides extend to a lower end of the positioning member that includes distal edges separated from each other by a distance;
- wherein coupling of the positioning member to the body results in a partition of the receptacle by the positioning member extending between the first and second side wall portions and being distant from the first and second end portions such that the receptacle includes two open and uncovered compartments defined within the body on either side of the positioning member.
21. The infant tub of claim 20, wherein the second side wall portion is disposed opposite to the first side wall portion, a first mounting portion is formed on the first side wall portion, and a second mounting portion is formed on the second side wall portion, the positioning member being configured to engage the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion to couple the positioning member to the body.
22. The infant tub of claim 21, wherein the positioning member includes a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion, the first coupling portion is configured to engage the first mounting portion, and the second coupling portion is configured to engage the second mounting portion.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Oct 28, 2008
Date of Patent: Nov 6, 2012
Patent Publication Number: 20100101011
Assignee: Mattel, Inc. (El Segundo, CA)
Inventors: Daniel Dignitti (Hamburg, NY), John L. Jones, Jr. (East Aurora, NY), Juliette Welch (East Aurora, NY)
Primary Examiner: Basil Katcheves
Assistant Examiner: Rodney Mintz
Attorney: Edell, Shapiro & Finnan, LLC
Application Number: 12/259,866
International Classification: A47K 3/024 (20060101); A47K 3/02 (20060101);